System-on-a-chip (SoC) is a technology that packages of all the necessary electronic circuits and parts for a complete "system" on a single integrated circuit (IC). A complete system typically includes the central processor, the memory and peripheral electronics. SoC is evolving along with other technologies such as silicon-on-insulator (SOI), which can provide increased clock speeds while reducing the power consumed by a microchip.

System-on-a-chip technology is used in small, increasingly complex consumer electronic devices. For example, a system-on-a-chip for a sound-detecting device might include an audio receiver, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a microprocessor, necessary memory, and the input/output logic control for a user - all on a single microchip. System on chip (SOC) technology also provides single-chip wireless products such a Bluetooth devices, and enables single-chip WLAN and cellular phone solutions.

System-on-a-chip (SoC) is a major revolution taking place in the design of integrated circuits due to the unprecedented levels of integration possible.

SoC: System on a Chip

Related Terms: Integrated Circuit (IC), ASIC